Towing Conversion Specs

What follows is an overview of the conversions to the 2004 Ford F550 to make it into a fifth wheel tow vehicle. Note that the F550 was "drop shipped" as a chassis cab (i.e., chassis and cab, but no bed) to the conversion company.

Conversion Company:
Chariot (formerly Chariot Vans).
Bed Installed:
F350 pickup bed. We wanted something that looked like a normal pickup. The other option was a hauler bed that cost more and weighed more. Each has advantages.
Seating:
Bucket seats with rear Power Sofa. Upholstery is a plastic leather-looking stuff. Comfortable. Bucket seats in front are power everywhich way, but no power lumbar support; has fold down arm on inner side of each. Rear fold down sofa converts between sofa and bench seat; sofa is more useful as an easy to reach cargo area than as a place to sleep.
Trailer Saver TS3 Hitch:
This is an air suspension hitch that has dual air bags and shock absorbers. It smooths the ride for both the trailer and the truck during towing.
Transfer Flow Add-On Fuel Tank:
Adds 34 gallons of fuel capacity. Automatically transfers fuel to the main tank as needed. The truck's fuel gauge shows the fuel level for both tanks. System includes its own LED display showing gallons remaining and other information.
Kelderman Air Ride Suspension:
Air bags added to the rear suspension to smooth the ride of the F550 both when towing and when unhitched. Especially useful when NOT hitched. The F550 is a rough rider when unloaded. The air suspension smooths it out to something akin to the ride of a F350 when unhitched.
Highway Products Toolboxes:
We have a large toolbox forward of the fifth wheel hitch, and a smaller one aft. Both boxes were designed to be used with a fifth wheel hitched to the truck. The boxes are very sturdy and roomy.
VDO Dayton MS 5500 Car Multimedia System (GPS Navigation System):
System includes maps for entire United States. Color LCD screen. Remote control.
Voyager AOC-100 Rear Observation System:
When hitched, a camera on the back of the fifth wheel makes backing the rig much easier. The monitor is mounted as a flip-down that covers the rear view mirror in the truck. We used the rear observation system as our rear view mirror when towing. Very big help! When unhitched, camera on rear bumper of truck assists in backing truck into tight spots.
CB Radio:
Little CB radio that appears to be entirely in the hand held microphone. External "rubber ducky" antenna.
Conversion Weight:
With all added equipment, no people, empty fuel tanks: 8727 lbs.
Ready To Roll Weight:
Your "ready to roll" weight will vary. Ours includes toolboxes filled with tools, oil, antifreeze, tire chains, and a bunch of other stuff; full 74 gallon load of fuel; both of us; assorted food and junk in the cab of the truck. Total: approximately 10,000 lbs (5 tons). Pay attention to bridge weight limits even when NOT towing!